Thailand has expanded its visa-free entry program, now allowing travelers from 93 countries and territories to visit for up to 60 days without needing a visa. This update, which started on Monday, increases the number of countries eligible for visa-free travel from 57.
Tourism is crucial to Thailand’s economy, which is still bouncing back from the pandemic. In the first half of 2024, the country welcomed 17.5 million international visitors, a 35% increase from last year. Despite this rise, visitor numbers have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. The majority of these tourists came from China, Malaysia, and India. Tourism revenue amounted to 858 billion baht ($23.6 billion), which did not meet the government’s targets.
In addition to the expanded visa-free entry, Thailand has introduced several new initiatives. A new five-year visa for remote workers allows stays of up to 180 days per year. International students who graduate from Thai universities can now stay for up to one year after graduation to find employment or explore the country. The government has also extended the waiver on hotel operating fees for another two years and removed a proposed tourism fee for incoming flights.
There are concerns about whether Thailand’s infrastructure can handle the increased number of tourists. Kantapong Thananuangroj, president of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association, emphasized the need for adequate resources to ensure a good experience for visitors. Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, warned of potential air traffic issues if flight availability does not keep up with demand.
Safety concerns have also been raised, with reports of tourists being kidnapped and forced into labor in neighboring countries. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining Thailand’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
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